Services via Barnes Bridge suspended

[Edsmith]

Services are reportedly suspended until Monday November 28th due to repairs on a bridge between Barnes Bridge and Hounslow.

 

[SWT_USER]

That is incredibly annoying . No services from Staines / Feltham to Kew Bridge either, just an hourly Waterloo to Kew Bridge via Hounslow.

Anyone know what the actual problem is with the bridge and how it was discovered?

 

[SynthD]

ℹ Engineers carrying out planned inspections have found a small number of defects underneath Barnes Bridge which they need to repair before the bridge can reopen for passenger services.

This is from Network Rail Wessex on Twitter.

 

[66701GBRF]

Defects found on the 18th. Speed restriction and block to some traffic applied. However defects have deteriorated so now blocked to all traffic.

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

Questions need to be asked about the asset management of this structure such that it gets to a situation where its allowed to deteriorate such that it has to be closed. Yes its an old structure but so are thousands more and NR as did BR before had a good reputation of getting repairs done before this sort of situation arises. The line was only shut recently for several days as part of Feltham resignalling so did they not take advantage of that closure to undertake repairs?

 

[SynthD]

They regularly inspect the assets, but this was discovered after the Feltham work. They didn’t see the need to close it based on what they saw at first, only what was found today.

Edit: I don’t know. I’m piecing it together.

 

[MattyH]

I guess the hourly service is a fair effort under the circumstances but annoying all the same.

 

[ijmad]

Why can't they use Old Kew Junction to reverse trains? Is it felt that a service from Kew Bridge to Waterloo via Hounslow & Twickenham would just not be worth it?

 

[MattyH]

That's exactly what they seem to be doing tonight, though whether this will happen for the rest of the week isn't clear, the journey planner hasn't been updated as yet.

 

[Siemens Staines]

On journeycheck

Until further notice the following alterations will be necessary:
- London Waterloo to London Waterloo services via Hounslow and Twickenham will be cancelled.
- London Waterloo to London Waterloo services via Twickenham and Hounslow will terminate at Hounslow.
- Additional services will run from Hounslow to London Waterloo at XX:10 and XX:40, calling at Twickenham only.
- London Waterloo to Weybridge XX:22 services will be diverted via Twickenham, calling additionally at Twickenham.
- London Waterloo to Weybridge XX:52 services will run as scheduled to Barnes and will then call at all stations between Twickenham and Kew Bridge, where they will terminate.
- Weybridge to London Waterloo XX:03 services will be diverted via Twickenham.
- Weybridge to London Waterloo XX:33 services will be started from Kew Bridge.

 

[Bald Rick]

Questions need to be asked about the asset management of this structure

They are being asked, don’t worry!

 

[ijmad]

That's exactly what they seem to be doing tonight, though whether this will happen for the rest of the week isn't clear, the journey planner hasn't been updated as yet.

Ah thanks, I misread. At least people can walk to Gunnersbury for onward travel!

 

[Craig1122]

Questions need to be asked about the asset management of this structure such that it gets to a situation where its allowed to deteriorate such that it has to be closed. Yes its an old structure but so are thousands more and NR as did BR before had a good reputation of getting repairs done before this sort of situation arises. The line was only shut recently for several days as part of Feltham resignalling so did they not take advantage of that closure to undertake repairs?

A few years ago now a bridge failed between Feltham and Whitton and caused major disruption. Cause was a blockage in the river which had allegedly been reported to NR but not acted on. So unfortunately not a new problem.

Unfortunately a lot of structures can be seen even with the naked eye to be in a poor state. For example look at the number of brick structures with crumbling mortar, often aided on its way by plants such as buddleia growing unchecked. Defects like this start as something minor then water gets in and makes it worse.

I suspect the bill to bring the entire NR estate up to standard would be absolutely eye watering.

 

[E27007]

Barnes Bridge.
i have traveled over the Bridge many times , but was not aware of the older disused Bridge by Joseph Locke, the new Bridge being alongside the old.

Barnes Bridge

 

[Southern Dvr]

Been suggested that this may go on for 4 weeks minimum.

 

[danielcanning]

Is the footpath beside the bridge closed?

 

[davews]

I wondered that as well, used it a couple of weeks ago. They are also building a new footbridge underneath the railway bridge at the north side, part of the Thames Path, which looked close to completion. Together with a scheme to make the earlier parallel second bridge into a new pedestrian one. A lot happening at Barnes.

 

[Snow1964]

Barnes Bridge.
i have traveled over the Bridge many times , but was not aware of the older disused Bridge by Joseph Locke, the new Bridge being alongside the old.

Barnes Bridge

If you look very closely from aerial view, there is a very slight wiggle in the track over the newer double track bridge. Even the platforms have a wiggle to align with newer bridge. The older one carried a footpath for decades

The brick arch, over the road by the station is clearly 2 separate structures, about 60% on down river side and another butting up to it about 40% of the bridge

 

[hwl]

If you look very closely from aerial view, there is a very slight wiggle in the track over the newer double track bridge. Even the platforms have a wiggle to align with newer bridge. The older one carried a footpath for decades

The brick arch, over the road by the station is clearly 2 separate structures, about 60% on down river side and another butting up to it about 40% of the bridge

The original bridge was two track with 2 cast iron arches per track with 3 of those 4 cast arches remaining (the eastern most was removed). During the 1890s rebuild a single track was kept operating on the western most spans and one arch of the eastern most span. Some of the original 1840s buttresses still support the current western most track. (The original 1840s buttresses were extended eastwards downstream in 1890s, the original aspect ratio also not being good for scour)

There is already footbridge (public footpath) on the eastern side of the current tracks which is unusually covered by the bridge rebuild act of parliament so not much point in opening a new one on the disused arches...

 

[norbitonflyer]

Is the footpath beside the bridge closed?

At least Hammersmith Bridge has been re-opened for pedestrians! (Barnes Bridge was the nearest alternative)

 

[Big Jumby 74]

Deleted.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Nov 2022 ==

A few years ago now a bridge failed between Feltham and Whitton and caused major disruption

That was the bridge, or more of a large culvert associated with the river Crane, which runs roughly North to South under Feltham yard as was. In that instant, if my memory is correct, a temporary structure was erected over the river to the South of the running lines, and the lines themselves were then slewed across same, to allow repairs to take place. Not an option at Barnes Bridge.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Nov 2022 ==

At least Hammersmith Bridge has been re-opened for pedestrians

Good news at long last.

 

[Craig1122]

Deleted.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Nov 2022 ==


That was the bridge, or more of a large culvert associated with the river Crane, which runs roughly North to South under Feltham yard as was. In that instant, if my memory is correct, a temporary structure was erected over the river to the South of the running lines, and the lines themselves were then slewed across same, to allow repairs to take place. Not an option at Barnes Bridge.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Nov 2022 ==

That's correct, couldn't fault the response at the time. The inspection regime (or lack of that) that meant it was necessary less so. A case of penny wise pound foolish given how much it must have cost to build the temporary diversion.

For those interested the response by SWR service wise:

Waterloo to Waterloo 'rounders' all cancelled.

2tph Waterloo to Weybridge trains diverted via Twickenham with 1tph continuing to Weybridge and 1tph to Kew Bridge via Hounslow.

This leaves Chiswick & Barnes Bridge with no service and the rest of the loop with 1tph (Vs 2 off peak/4 peak) albeit heading away from London. It also reduces the service at Chertsey & Addlestone to 1tph Vs 2.

Luckily most of the London stations have relatively easy alternatives either on the underground or the SWR route via Richmond.

 

[N0G83]

Why can't they use Old Kew Junction to reverse trains? Is it felt that a service from Kew Bridge to Waterloo via Hounslow & Twickenham would just not be worth it?

There is no 3rd Rail at New or Old Kew Jct, freight usage nominally to & from South Acton.

 

[RJ]

There is no 3rd Rail at New or Old Kew Jct, freight usage nominally to & from South Acton.

Both junctions are electrified and traversed by SWR service trains, it’s the spurs to South Acton that are not. There is a crossover at Old Kew Junction so it’s a fair question from anyone who’s not a subject matter expert on the signalling arrangements.

Barnes - Barnes Bridge - Chiswick - Kew Bridge is all very awkward to do on local buses - is there a replacement bus service in place to link the stations?

 

[Craig1122]

Barnes - Barnes Bridge - Chiswick - Kew Bridge is all very awkward to do on local buses - is there a replacement bus service in place to link the stations?

No buses, I would guess the number of local trips between as opposed to through those stations is fairly low though.

 

[43096]

That was the bridge, or more of a large culvert associated with the river Crane, which runs roughly North to South under Feltham yard as was. In that instant, if my memory is correct, a temporary structure was erected over the river to the South of the running lines, and the lines themselves were then slewed across same, to allow repairs to take place. Not an option at Barnes Bridge.

That's correct, couldn't fault the response at the time.

I thought the diversion following the Feltham bridge collapse used a bridge that was formerly used as part of the tracks associated with Feltham marshalling yard? It was rather handy that it was still there and the track could be diverted over it whilst the bridge was replaced.

 

[Craig1122]

I thought the diversion following the Feltham bridge collapse used a bridge that was formerly used as part of the tracks associated with Feltham marshalling yard? It was rather handy that it was still there and the track could be diverted over it whilst the bridge was replaced.

I thought it was a temporary structure but my memory could well be playing tricks as it's a while ago. Certainly would make sense that a previous structure could still have been in place. Either way it was impressive work getting it constructed so quickly.

 

[Big Jumby 74]

I thought the diversion following the Feltham bridge collapse used a bridge that was formerly used as part of the tracks associated with Feltham marshalling yard? It was rather handy that it was still there and the track could be diverted over it whilst the bridge was replaced.

You may well be right, makes sense. Memory and elapsed time etc on my part . Should have just called it a 'temporary diversion' !

 

[Goldfish62]

That was the bridge, or more of a large culvert associated with the river Crane, which runs roughly North to South under Feltham yard as was. In that instant, if my memory is correct, a temporary structure was erected over the river to the South of the running lines, and the lines themselves were then slewed across same, to allow repairs to take place.

The speed with which the temporary alignment was installed was truly impressive!

I was directly affected on my daily commute and the interim arrangement of changing trains at Weybridge (where the connection was missed 90% of the time) and Virginia Water was a right pain!

 

[swt_passenger]

I thought it was a temporary structure but my memory could well be playing tricks as it's a while ago. Certainly would make sense that a previous structure could still have been in place. Either way it was impressive work getting it constructed so quickly.

There are two long pre-existing culverts, more like tunnels, running for over 200m right under the marshalling yard footprint. One is for the River Crane, and there’s a parallel flood relief tunnel as well.

You can see some internal photos and plan drawings in this article about the tunnels here. There’s a bit of metric/imperial exaggerated conversion going on, references to 750 yd, but the text has it 750 ft long.

Feltham Cavalry Tunnel (40 acres) - Art of the State

Feltham Cavalry Tunnel aka Feltham 40 Acres Tunnel Known locally as Feltham Cavalry Tunnel or 40 Acres Tunnel there is an unlit culvert that runs for 750 yards under the former site of Feltham Marshalling Yards in West London. It runs adjacent to the redirected River Crane and was constructed to...

www.artofthestate.co.uk

The extent can just about be made out on the current Google satellite view, if you look for the tight bend in the river course.